Third Sunday of Lent March 8, 2026

Readings: Exodus: 17:3-7 Romans: 5:1-2.5-8   John 4:5-42

The first reading of today tells us of the ordeal of the Israelites in the wilderness. After four hundred and thirty years of slavery in Egypt, God came to deliver them (Ex 12, 40). Nevertheless, they grumbled against Moses and, consequently, against God because they were thirsty. God instructed Moses to strike the rock. From it, water came forth. The Israelites drank and were satisfied.

The rock Moses struck, and the water gushed from it allegorically and metaphorically prefigure Christ. He is both the rock of our salvation and our eternal living water. On this third Sunday of Lent, we also need a spiritual drink from the living water that flows from Christ, the Rock of Ages. Hence, we must: “Draw water from the well of salvation” (Ish 12:3) to quench our spiritual thirst this Lenten season.

In today’s gospel, Jesus presents himself to the Samaritan woman as the Eternal Living Water. This underscores the importance of Christ in our life. By breaking the silence and going against the social customs and prejudices between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus becomes the gift of God to this woman and her people. Like Jesus, therefore, we must be ready to take risks. This is by challenging the unjust rules of social structures and norms. It is by breaking down walls that exclude people and opening up possibilities to others. This is so that they can experience Christ.

Finally, the argument between Jesus and the woman represents the obstacles we must overcome to draw people to Christ, the Eternal Living Water. In other words, they represent the “rational” stubbornness” that society will present to us before they finally yield to the gospel. However, if we are connected to the Eternal Living Water, we shall have a better and more convincing witness without getting weary.